For best printing results turn on "Print background colors and images" in your browser settings.

To qualify for 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating.

The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. The ratings of one vehicle often apply to other models if they are built on the same platform. In addition, a test of a vehicle from one model year may apply to earlier or later model years if the vehicle hasn't been significantly redesigned.

Applies to 2019 models

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Kia Forte was redesigned for the 2019 model year. Two driver-side small overlap frontal tests of the Forte were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by Hyundia/Kia as part of frontal crash test verification. Ratings are based on both tests, but the vehicle specifications shown below are based on the Institute’s test.

Structure

The driver space was maintained well in both tests, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 6 cm at the lower hinge pillar and footrest. Upper interior intrusion measured 2-4 cm at the hinge pillar and instrument panel.

Injury measures

In both tests, measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Kia Forte was redesigned for the 2019 model year.

Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Hyundai/Kia as part of frontal crash test verification.

Structure

The passenger space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 11 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 6 cm at the dashboard and hinge pillar.

Passenger injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but slid off toward the right side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.

Driver injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound.

Applies to 2019 models

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Kia Forte was redesigned for the 2019 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Hyundai/Kia as part of frontal crash test verification.

Injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled. The driver side curtain and side torso airbags deployed during the crash. After the dummy moved forward into the frontal airbag, its head contacted the side curtain airbag.

Applies to 2019 models

Overall evaluation

G

Curb weight

2,821 lbs

Peak force

13,619 lbs

Strength-to-weight ratio

4.83

Tested vehicle

2019 Kia Forte S 4-door

Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

In the test, the strength of the roof is determined by pushing a metal plate against one side of it at a slow but constant speed. The force applied relative to the vehicle's weight is known as the strength-to-weight ratio. This graph shows how the ratio varied as the test of this vehicle progressed. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength.

A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. For a marginal rating, it is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.